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Season Grades for Anaheim Ducks Goalies

By Jacob Robles

SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 18: Goalie John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks makes a stick save against the San Jose Sharks during the first period in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on April 18, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 18: Goalie John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks makes a stick save against the San Jose Sharks during the first period in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on April 18, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Continuing our season grades for the Anaheim Ducks, our resident netminder Jacob Robles scores all three Ducks goalies.

John Gibson: B

In 60 appearances with the Anaheim Ducks, John Gibson finished the season with a 31-18-4 record. Gibson had a tremendous year that further solidifies his status as one of the league’s elite. Whether he was throwing it back to the past with a good ol’ pad stack here and there or making some clutch saves in key games, he was up to the task.

Gibson would have received a higher grade but, his inability to stay healthy for the full season kept it down. He is no stranger to injuries. It’s unfortunate that in his short career, he has been plagued with an alarming amount of somewhat serious injuries.

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Gibson was out several times this year for prolonged periods. But with help from veteran goaltender Ryan Miller and Reto Berra, the Ducks were able to stay the course.

Ryan Miller: B-

In 28 appearances this season, veteran Ryan Miller posted a record of 12-6-4. While not in the role he’s been accustomed to in previous years with Vancouver, and Buffalo, Miller was one of many unsung heroes for the Anaheim Ducks this season.

Miller gets a similar grade to Gibson because of a contribution that wasn’t solely about his play on the ice. Having Ryan Miller’s veteran presence in the locker room benefitted John Gibson greatly. Ryan Miller was just the kind of role model a young goalie like Gibson could use.

That doesn’t imply Gibson was or is a headcase but he’s young. There’s a level of maturity that many young players lack. Having a guy like Miller to be a mentor, and “shadow” in a sense, seemed to be a blessing.

SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 16: Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ryan Miller (30). (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 16: Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ryan Miller (30). (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Miller’s performance was not out of this world by any means, but watching his style of play was a sight in itself. Miller is a very calm and collected goaltender. Like Gibson, Miller kept Anaheim in a lot of important games this season whether it was as a starter or in relief. The only thing keeping his grade from being higher boils down to Miller’s playing time. He didn’t see a ton of ice time, but when he did, he sure made it count.

Reto Berra: C

It’s hard to grade the Swiss goaltender known by most as Yogi. In five appearances, Berra had an even 1-1-0 record. His one loss came in a relief effort against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche in early October.

Berra’s lone win came against San Jose in mid-November. Yogi spent the majority of his time down on the farm with Gulls once both John Gibson and Ryan Miller were healthy. Occasionally, he was called up for precautionary reasons, but that was about it.

Season grades continue tomorrow with part one of the defensemen.

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